If I were to hit the jackpot, I would be the happiest woman in the world. Aside from having an abundance of money and have the ability to travel around the world, I believe that the absolute jackpot would be to open my own Career and Technical Education High School. The school’s mission would be to serve students that have interests in nutrition, medical science, culinary arts, business education, digital media, fashion design, and architecture.  These areas are highly desired by students, and could allow them the opportunity to gain job readiness skills and experience.

Opening and implementing this career and technical education school would also be like hitting the jackpot for the students in my school. State of the art technology would be incorporated throughout the entire school. Smart boards would be in every classroom; new equipment for the students would also be purchased to help students stay on top of the newest trends. The building would be constructed with green technology so that the building would be energy efficient. The foods program would also have a garden that produces a portion of the schools food.

Hitting the jackpot would make these ambitions a reality. There are so many things that I would invest in, but I feel that this would be the most useful to students. If I hit the jackpot, I surely want others to benefit from my wealth. For the graduates of my school, I would also provide full scholarships to the schools of their choice. In turn, the graduates would commit to tutoring and mentoring current students of the school. These things could all come true if I could only hit the jackpot!

As an educator, a tremendous amount of time is utilized planning engaging lessons, purchasing classroom supplies, participating in after school clubs and activities, and fulfilling professional development requirements. With these responsibilities consuming much of your free time, balancing work and family can become more challenging than one would think. It is necessary to devote the proper amounts of time to each to find harmony in your life. To find balance between work and family, it may be helpful to keep an agenda notebook to help organize your schedule, communicate with your family, and always plan ahead.

            I find it very helpful to organize my schedule by keeping an agenda. Life can be very hectic with all the responsibilities that come with being a family and consumer sciences teacher. Some events that you may schedule in your agenda may include, open houses, department meetings, and FCCLA events, and competitions that require a lot of time out of the classroom. With each of these tasks that you are writing in your notebook, you may want to set a time limit for these tasks. When holding FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) meetings or department meeting, I schedule what time the meeting will begin, and have a time that the meeting must end. This helps everyone to stay on topic. Everyone knows what the topics of discussion are, and we have a time limit, so we must stay on task. Once time is up, the meeting is over, and all can leave and go on to their next obligation which in my case would be getting home to my family. 

            Communication is also essential to creating the balance of work and family. If you know that you have an important event coming up that will take you away from your family, let them know ahead of time. People like to have a heads up to mentally prepare for your absence. By letting your family know about the important activities you participate in, you are showing courtesy to them, and they can make plans for things that they need to accomplish while you are absent. By doing this, all parties are able to complete needed tasks in each other’s absence. When you regroup, all minds are clear having accomplished all goals. You can then relax and enjoy each other’s company. By simply creating the space to communicate freely about your obligations at work, there is more understanding about your duties as an educator.

            To eliminate unneeded stress, planning ahead is always a good idea. If you know that you have a huge assignment due at work, don’t wait until the last minute to complete it. This causes you be under unwanted stress, and your family can sense this. Your stress in turn causes your loved ones to become stressed too. Plan your work and then work your plan ahead of time, so that you live your life a little easier.

            For those that work outside of the education field, it can be hard to understand that our profession requires dedication and extra time outside of the classroom. Keeping an agenda notebook and following it, communicating with your family about each other’s needs, and planning ahead will make life a little easier. It takes patience as you do this. Teachers also have to learn to say no to unnecessary things as it may take more of your time that you dedicate to your family. By nature, teachers want to give and help others, but you must not spread yourself too thin, as it causes you to be less effective in executing your goals. Balancing work and family is quite a challenge, but these few but important reminders can help exponentially.

            Throughout my life, I have had to overcome many obstacles. Whether the obstacles are personal or professional, I have always been determined to set a goal and work towards accomplishing that goal which would in turn help me to overcome any obstacle. One goal that seemed almost impossible was earning my National Board Certification for teaching Family and Consumer Sciences. During that journey, there were many obstacles such as building the confidence to complete the project, managing time to complete the process, and reflecting and elaborating on my best teaching practices.

            I entered the education field as a lateral entry teacher. I had no formal teacher education. I only had field experience. Since there is a high need for FACS teachers in North Carolina, I decided to pursue teaching this subject. I took a series of general education classes in a small cohort sponsored by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools CTE department. These classes lead up to my FACS certification. Since I never took education classes during my undergrad, I always felt that I may have missed something. Although I would always receive above standard evaluations, and my students were successful, I felt that there was always room for improvement. Since I was the only FACS teacher in my school, I had no one to compare notes with at school. When I heard of the opportunity to complete the National Board process, I was convinced that If I reached that goal, then I was sure to be an accomplished teacher.

            While completing the yearlong project, I was required to constantly reflect of my most successful teaching practices. I had to write about the school that I taught in, the populations that I served, brag on the best lessons that I ever taught with video evidence, and elaborate on why those practices were so successful. I also had to prove that I worked outside of the classroom with professional development, extracurricular duties, and prove that I worked with the community. Lastly, there was a written test to complete after submitting the four sections of the written portion of the project. Naturally I do all of these things, but when completing the project, you have to write exactly to the specifications. There is no National Board class to help you along the way. All you receive are very lengthy instructions on how to complete the project. The only tool that I was able to use was my brain.

            Throughout the year I worked on the independent project, I was so stressed out. All that I could think about was working on this project. I was worried about completing the project on time with excellent quality. I struggled to stay motivated as there were no deadlines except for the submission date for the entire project. After coming home from a day teaching in the classroom, I found that I was tired and not interested in writing about anything. People that knew I was working on my national boards would ask how things were going and ask if I needed any proofreading. This really motivated me, because I knew that I had support from everyone. People that cared about me would pump me up at any given chance and encourage me to complete the project. Don’t be scared, just write about all the wonderful things that you help your students accomplish in the classroom.

            Needless to say, my loved ones motivated me and inspired me to complete some of my best work. I made myself set goals for the week, and I had to accomplish them. I would let a coworker proofread my work, and listen to their feedback. Slowly but surely the project was completed. On the last night before submitting all of my work and evidence, I had all of my work laid out on the floor to pack in order as this is another requirement. Every page has to be just so. I broke down in disbelief that I had completed this massive project, and I was finished. I almost didn’t care if I received the certification, because I poured my heart into a year’s worth of work. I submitted the packet in March and was breathless until I received my results that following November.

            I received an email at school stating that my results were in, and when I opened that email. I screamed with utter delight. I danced, cried, and praised God. I had received my national board certification. Not everyone can say that they have that. I received a pay increase, was publically recognized in my city, and had the prestige of being a master teacher in FACS. It was a dream come true. My journey started as a substitute, which lead into my lateral entry as a teacher, into a nationally certified FACS teacher. I officially accomplished my elusive goal.

Everyday teachers are encouraged to use 21^st century technology in the classroom. Although it is sometimes challenging to master new applications as they are continuously introduced by various software companies, it is vital to FACS students’ success in and out of the classroom. Technology is her to stay for all. With continuous professional development learning how to deliver lessons, complete class assignments, and applying new technology to classroom processes, it is beneficial to the FACS student in developing their 21^st century skills and using a teaching medium that this generation has become accustomed to.

Recently, I started using a device called Beyond Questions. This computer application allows students to answer questions formed by the instructor to evaluate what content that the students are retaining. Students view multiple choice or true false questions projected on large screen. Each student assigned a remote control that allows them to answer the questions as they appear on the screen. After questions are answered, he computer calculate immediate feedback to the student on how well they completed the questions. The program even breaks down student responses for each question and all parties are able to see the responses to each question. My students and I find this program to be very easy to manipulate, fun, and effective when indicating the students’ strength and weaknesses for each subject. My students results on required end of course testing always improved since using this software.

As a student in FNES 636, we are required to create a blog responding to prompts related to career paths and personal experiences. To continue to improve students’ writing skills, I believe that I will incorporate this skill into my students’ activities. I will provide various topics that the students can create a blog and elaborate on the various topics of my choosing. Our class will be connected to each other and be able to view each other’s responses. I also plan to have each student select partners to comment on each other’s blog. I think that by creating my own blog, I see how simple it is, and it is a great way to express yourself, and also a great way to save on turning in papers, and losing them. Once a student submits their blog, the time and date is included in the message, and I am able to determine if the assignment was submitted on time.

Social networking sites for teachers are growing to be very popular with teachers. I do not participate in Facebook or any FACS social networking sites as of yet. I do see great value in these ways to communicate with each other. You could become part of a professional learning community that could be vital to you staying current in new developments in FACS and also sharing best teaching practices. In NC I participated in a Yahoo email group that included all FACS teachers in the state. The FACS coordinators were able to disperse important information very effectively. Everyone was always in the know at once.

Utilizing 21^st century technology for FACS students is vital. We want our students to be computer literate and able to apply technology that we teach into their everyday lives and or careers. Teachers have to understand that the world is ever changing and technology does the same. We can’t be afraid to learn new things that will assist our students while at the same time make our programs relevant, and more desirable.

I have been very fortunate to have some of the best teachers during my years growing up in Charlotte, N.C. I remember my teachers as caring people that pushed me to always do my best. They always presented engaging lessons, and they always seemed to know what to do no matter what happened in the classroom. They were amazing. One particular teacher that made a huge impact on my life as a FACS teacher is Ms. Hannah Modrell.

            Ms. Modrell was my fashion design teacher in high school. As a high school freshman, I was so excited to take her class. Since I was a young kid, I always adored fashion, and would try to create some of the high fashion looks that I saw in magazines. My mother taught me how to sew when I was in elementary school, and so I already had experience. When I entered Ms. Modrell’s class, I was in heaven.

            During each school day I was bombarded with my core subjects that I really didn’t care much for but would look forward to sewing with Ms. Modrell. I believe that she saw the passion that I had for creating textile products. She would often ask me to assist my classmates when they needed help. After successfully completing her first level class, she asked me to sign up for her level two. I happily did, and learned even more than before. During her class, I created many dresses, shorts, tops, skirts, and, my prom dress. After completing her second level fashion design class, I feared that I wouldn’t be able to work with her anymore. At the end of class one day, she suggested that I become her student assistant during my senior year. I did and I got an inside look of what it was like to be a teacher. I assisted her with grading papers, helping with students, and ran errands for her. It was the best.

            During the year, I decided that I would study fashion design in college. I didn’t know of any fashion design program in N.C., but she did. She suggested that I check out The University of N.C. at Greensboro. They had a very comprehensive textile product design and marketing program. I went and was successful there. All the work that I did with Ms. Modrell helped so much during my studies at UNCG. I was well ahead of some of my classmates and was very skilled with my sewing techniques.

            Although I am no longer working in the fashion industry, I really appreciate all of the lessons Ms. Modrell taught me that I now use as a FACS teacher. She taught me to be patient with others, she gave me insight of how to cooperate with different personalities, and she also showed me how to improvise. I am forever grateful for all of the life lessons that she taught me. If Ms. Modrell could see me know, I think that she would be very proud of me.

A Book I Would Love To Write

I have often thought of traveling around the world to foreign lands to experience their culture and cuisine. I would travel to Greece and sample their legendary seafood and vegetables. I would travel to Vietnam to taste authentic pho’. I would travel to Jamaica and investigate the best tasting jerked foods. I would ultimately visit all seven continents to see new landscapes, meet people that are different from myself, and taste their local cuisine.

 I fell in love with traveling as a young child. My parents and I would load up our luggage in the car and travel all over the U.S. We would also travel abroad when the opportunity was there. I think that it would be satisfying to write a cookbook that featured my stories as a world traveler and the foods that I tasted and also learned how to make. The cookbook would include photos of my journey around the world. My dream would be to meet local inhabitants in the area that I travel in, get to know them, and let them know of my intentions with cooking, touring, book writing, etc…, I would also seek out cooking lessons from local connections that I create.

With the profits of the book, I would dedicate a portion of the proceeds to help out the families and communities that allowed me to spend time with them and educated me about their lifestyles. I would also create an educational program that focused on all of the core standards of Family and Consumer Science Education. It would be economical, easy to implement, and fun for middle school students to take the opposite semester of their health and P.E. classes. Students would gain much needed life skills that they would use as they grow and develop into well rounded citizens.  American students desperately need this as I am finding more and more students that have now skills to help them sustain a healthy life.

I know that I would have the time of my life writing the cookbook. Just knowing that it will benefit others makes the work even more appealing. Who knows, I just might actually write this book.

         As a veteran FACS teacher of 10 years, I have seen education evolve tremendously. When I entered education, President George Bush implemented the No Child Left Behind Initiative. With big ideas for all, nominal funding, and no desired results, the initiative had to be revaluated. Through my years of teaching, the expectations of teachers and students have grown. Students are expected to learn, but must pass end of course tests, and teachers are to continue engaging students with delightful lessons that will prepare them for the test. That is always priority number on for me in the classroom.

          The new Common Core Standards will require all states to have the same objectives geared towards reading and math. Students that master the common objectives are said to be more prepared to enter higher education institutions and entry-level positions in the work force. Students are also to receive whole child education which would incorporate healthy initiatives to the students amongst other aspects relating to safety, being engaged, supported, being challenged, and sustainable.

             I believe that America needs the common core standards. When communicating with other teachers from across the nation, I compare some of the standards that their students must master versus students from my home state. A lot of times the standards are different. In some cases, there is no end of core testing required by the state. If all US students were held to the same standard, they would know what their expectations are and what their competition is learning. Colleges would also know what students are learning and would be able to judge them on a level playing ground. This is a great thing for a student that is if they don’t have any obstacles prohibiting them from being successful.

            Teachers would also be responsible for executing engaging lessons that will challenge students and do everything possible to help the student be successful. This would translate to the Annual Professional Performance Review which is the new teacher evaluation initiative that is being implemented very soon. Some schools in NY are already piloting this review process. Teachers will be evaluated yearly through observations, and a portfolio containing documentation of all the work the teacher has done over the year. Components that are required include personal reflections, professional skills, professional growth, professional development, showcase of your best efforts, and goals for future development.

            I think that this process is beneficial to teachers, and their students. This review process will hold teachers accountable to the work that they do in the classroom. NC, the state where I moved from has a review process similar to this. Last year, I had to have multiple observations and present my portfolio to my evaluator. This dialogue was beneficial to me as I was able to explain the processes of my teaching, and share all of the wonderful opportunities I provide for my students. I think my evaluator had more respect to my contributions to my student education. One drawback of this process is remembering to collect EVERYTHING, and taking the time to organize the portfolio.

           Ultimately, I think that the changes are great. Children need and deserve quality education for responsible teachers that care about their work, and the success of their students. All the effort is worthwhile to the student development, and your professional development.

According to dictionary.com, the meaning of passion is any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate. When reflecting on the meaning of this word, I find that I possess many passions that I have strong feeling about. One passion that I have love for would be cooking. It is very common for you to find me in the kitchen trying a new dish, taking a recreational cooking class, or having a get together with friends to share some of my creations.

This passion of mine really became pronounced as I graduated from college, and started living on my own. I was very concerned about saving money and trying out foods that I never had the opportunity to try while growing up in N.C. My parents exposed me to a lot of different cuisines as a child, but as an adult, I could have whatever I wanted! I started researching recipes from all over the world, and became a frequent shopper in international grocery stores. I would ask questions about food when I visited restaurants, and I always attended my friends from different countries dinners and parties. I love to socialize with people from different backgrounds. You learn so much about the world, yourself, and their cuisine.

I think that I was absolutely sure that I was passionate about cooking when I started teaching foods and nutrition. It is understood that teenagers love to eat, but when I started sharing some of my culinary passions with my students, I could see a light bulb go off in many of them. I would teach about a nutrient, and share the foods that provide the nutrient, and then demonstrate or have the students prepare the nutritional food in various ways. I knew that I was onto something when I actually witnessed a whole class of high school students try roasted broccoli that they created. They enjoyed it! When the students see me excited over food, and I give them the chance to experiment and try different foods, they are more open to it because they made it. I feel that some of my passion for food has rubbed off on some of my students as a lot of them go on to pursue careers in culinary arts. I tell them, as long as there are humans living on earth, you will have a job, because everybody’s got to eat.

It is my desire to continue to inspire others through food. Cooking food is relaxing, you have scrumptious end results that always bring even the most negative attitudes pure joy. Now that’s true passion.

Choosing a Career Path

                Choosing a career path is an exciting, confusing, and challenging task that many have gone through. When choosing a career path for myself, I had to ask myself what makes me happy. Having the need to help people obtain their goals always comes to mind when I ask myself this questions, and it is quite often. I regularly asses my feelings about my career path, and ask myself are you really happy with your job and where it could lead you?

                I entered into the education profession through what I refer to as the back door. I moved to Charlotte, N.C. after accepting a substitute life skills teaching position. My undergraduate degree was in fashion design and business. Initially, I planned to move to NYC from N.C. to pursue a career in the fashion industry. The fall after I graduated from college the terrible tragedy of 9/11 took place. This made people around me very nervous, and I started to question if the move would be right for me. A childhood friend and I would always talk about our futures, and he would always say that he would be a history teacher and I would be the perfect home economics teacher. I always laughed it off, and focus on other interesting careers like being a fashion designer, lawyer, social worker, nurse, etc…

                After completing an internship at a children’s apparel firm during the summer before my senior year of college, I decided that I would be successful in the industry, because I did a great job. After graduation, I started to prepare for my big move to The Big Apple. After the tragedy, my family persuaded me to come home and try to find a position there, as if there are huge popular high fashion clothing firms in Charlotte! The same childhood friend assured me that new opportunities would come up, and that I could still apply my fashion design degree in other ways. He soon told me about a life skills position that was available at a local middle school in Charlotte. My first day was the worse day ever of my teaching career, but I needed and job and so I stayed with it.

                I started to understand my students more by getting to know them and finding out about their lives. I started to see how I could assist my students by providing guidance that they did not have access to. I demonstrated them basic cooking techniques while adding nutritional facts and explanations to them. I showed them how to sew, and how to make a budget, and also how to get ready for a job. My students enjoyed it, and I could see that they were getting something out of my lessons, and I started to really enjoy it. It fulfills me to see my work being useful to others.

                I decided that I was on the correct path. Although I was not in NYC pursuing a career in fashion, I was happy. I later felt that this was the best move for me. Unlike reaching your customers in the fashion world with a new hip design, I am able to actually relate and make a stronger meaningful impact on my students. This means a lot to them, and it means the world to me. As I finish my tenth year of teaching Family and Consumer Sciences classes, I feel that this was the best suggestion that any friend could make to me. It changed my life, and brought purpose to me, and one should always choose a career path that will help you to feel good about yourself buy assisting others.